That might seem a strange statement, given the biggest Republican gains in the House of Representatives since 1948 and some high-profile victories in the Senate as well as state Governor's campaigns. It certainly doesn't fit with the repetitive theme of 'stunning defeat' (CNN) and 'dismal night' (BBC) for President Obama. But walk a bit further beyond the 65-seat swing to the GOP (the 'Grand Old Party'), giving them a majority of 51 in the lower house of the Congress.

The 'big society' assumes that government alone cannot solve complex social problems. Instead, by expanding the opportunities for civic participation, it is hoped that an active citizenry will play a greater role in tackling problems that affect communities. The package of policies is predicated on the notion that there has been a decline in civic participation and that this can be attributed to the dependency culture encouraged by 'big government'.

In the speech of thanks at his Parliamentary election early this morning, Conservative leader David Cameron asserted, "It is clear that this Labour Government no longer has a mandate to govern." Maybe so: but it is not clear who does have that mandate.